While Soft Mods change how objects behave, Hard Mods change how the game itself behaves. This is closer to traditional game modding.
Because Algodoo is written in a way that allows for deep modification, users have modified the source files to add new features permanently. These modifications often require editing the config.cfg file or replacing core game assets.
Famous Hard Mods include:
This is the deepest layer. Algodoo uses a technology called CGI (Chromium Embedded Framework) for its user interface and partially for its rendering logic.
(e)=>
scene.my.inZone = true
The vanilla Algodoo has no "random color generator." A mod can fix that. By opening the console (tilde key ~) and typing:
scene.addparticles(pos := [0,0], color := [1,0,0,1], size := 0.1)
You just manually spawned a red particle. A mod takes this further by creating a button that spawns a random color every time you click it. algodoo mods work
This proves that algodoo mods work because Thyme commands are executed in real-time by the simulation engine. The only limits are your logic and Algoryx’s (the developer) sandbox protections.
Thyme is a derivative of the popular scripting language Lua, designed specifically for Algodoo. Every time you click "Run Simulation," Algodoo executes Thyme scripts attached to objects, hinges, lasers, or the global simulation. While Soft Mods change how objects behave, Hard
A Thyme mod works by injecting new script commands into the console or by embedding them into a "magic box"—an invisible, non-collidable geometry that runs the script on start-up.
True external modifications—like adding new tools, changing the renderer, or injecting DLLs—are rare and unstable. Algodoo is a .NET application (older versions) and a hybrid native/.NET app (newer versions). Some community members have used Harmony or Mono.Cecil to patch the executable, but these efforts are fragile across updates and require deep reverse engineering. This is the deepest layer
A safer alternative is Algodoo’s console (~ key). Commands like app.mods.enabled = true (a myth in later versions) don’t exist; instead, you can set powerful simulation globals:
sim.gravity = [0, -50]
sim.airDensityMult = 0